A very heartfelt celebration that unites everyone. On the occasion of the Saint’s anniversary, tradition dictates that the carts are pulled by a couple of cows and that they bear the image of the Saint of Padua to thank him once again for his protection of the fields and animals.
For the occasion stupendous decorations and fantastic ornaments to embellish the wagons, which are the same ones used a long time ago to transport the harvest from the countryside to the town.
The oxen that pull the carts have golden horns and are decorated with colorful ribbons, bows and cotton sheets that wrap them. You may see smaller carts pulled by goats and sheep.
The festival takes place over two days: on Friday, called “La Vigilia”, there is a small procession and in this the floats are stripped of decorations and flowers or even only the cows are carried in procession even They are stripped of any ornament. You arrive in front of the church to receive a first blessing.
The same evening the “vigil” with the animals takes place and each small group organizes dinners, staying up until late at night to look after the cart and look after the cows.
On Saturday, the actual day of the celebration, all the floats gather in the morning, around 10 am at Calvary.
Here you can admire the carts and cows in all their beauty. In fact, during the night and morning the embellishment of the wagons with flowers and ribbons was completed and the so-called “dressing” of the cows took place.
The parade starts from Calvary until it reaches the Church of San Giorgio Martire.
Here, after the Holy Mass, the floats follow the statue of Saint Anthony in procession through all the city streets. Returning once again to the square in front of the church, each float receives the solemn blessing accompanied by the personal tune sung by the band and, as per tradition, completes 3 laps around the streets surrounding the church.
Subsequently, each float returns to its “base” and has lunch with their respective families and then waits for 5pm for the last parade. The route will be again, Calvary-Church and all the faithful will say goodbye with a goodbye to the following year.
The party ends with the musical show and, at midnight, with the traditional fireworks.
WHEN
This event generally takes place every year on the Friday and Saturday following June 13
Free Event
For information, dates and events, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The reported events may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and the dates
Tankers’ Festival
Montecilfone (Campobasso)
Molise – Italy
Website info Comune di Montecilfone
youtube Video Festa si Sant’Antonio a Montecilfoni
youtube Video Carristi di Montecilfone